System and Method for Simulating Environmental Conditions on an Exercise Bicycle

Abstract

A stationary exercise cycle includes a simulation system for simulating real-world terrain based on environmental and other real-world conditions. Using topographical or other data, an actual location can be simulated. The exercise cycle may include a resistance mechanism that is adjusted based on changes in simulated slope, and by amounts simulating actual frictional and gravitational forces. The simulated speed of the rider, as well as speed and direction of a simulated wind, are used to determine a simulated air speed. Based on the simulated air speed, the simulation system determines the simulated air resistance hindering the rider, and changes reflective of the simulated air resistance are made by the resistance mechanism. The stationary exercise cycle takes into account actual or approximate physical information of the user in determining the real-world conditions that are simulated, including the height, weight, shape, and / or rising position of the rider.

Description

RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 61 / 530,298 filed on Sep. 1, 2011.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for exercising. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to exercise cycle systems and methods for selective adjustment of resistance to simulate effects of wind on a cyclist and / or effects of real-world terrain on the cyclist.BACKGROUND[0003]While exercise equipment continues to be popular for casual and serious exercise enthusiasts who wish to exercise at home, in a gym, or in another indoor location, it remains a challenge to motivate a user to use the exercise device on a consistent and ongoing basis. This lack of motivation often is a result of the inability such devices have to realistically simulate real-world conditions. Users of exercise equipment often fail to enjoy a workout, or believe such a workout is insufficiently effective, because the equip...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent is about an exercise apparatus that can simulate real-world conditions to provide a more challenging and realistic workout for users. The apparatus includes a controller that can adjust resistance to the user's needs, taking into account factors like elevation changes, wind direction, and the user's personal characteristics. The resistance mechanism can be controlled automatically based on changes in air resistance, frictional resistance, or gravitational forces. The apparatus can also use data from personal characteristics and remote sources to simulate real-world conditions. The resistance mechanism can be adjusted based on the user's current altitude and the slope of the terrain being simulated. The apparatus can include a visual display for real-time feedback and to make the workout more visually appealing. Overall, the patent aims to provide a more effective and engaging exercise experience for users.

Problems solved by technology

While exercise equipment continues to be popular for casual and serious exercise enthusiasts who wish to exercise at home, in a gym, or in another indoor location, it remains a challenge to motivate a user to use the exercise device on a consistent and ongoing basis.

This lack of motivation often is a result of the inability such devices have to realistically simulate real-world conditions.

Users of exercise equipment often fail to enjoy a workout, or believe such a workout is insufficiently effective, because the equipment lacks the sort of realism of running, biking, or otherwise exercising on a real road or on other real-world terrain.

Merely riding a stationary exercise cycle and adjusting the pedaling rate and / or the pedaling resistance is, however, often insufficient to maintain a user's motivation to consistently use the stationary exercise cycle.

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